Today, as the world celebrates the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, we recognize the strength, courage, and leadership of girls everywhere especially those who continue to rise, dream, and lead even in the face of crisis.
As the Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, I join the global community in celebrating our girls their voices, their resilience, and their right to shape the future they envision.
This year’s theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” reminds us that girls are not just beneficiaries of change they are *leaders of change*. Across our communities, girls are taking the lead in education, innovation, advocacy, and climate action. They are redefining leadership, breaking barriers, and inspiring hope even in the most challenging circumstances.
In Cross River State, we remain committed to creating safe, inclusive, and empowering spaces for girls to learn, lead, and thrive. Through continuous advocacy, mentorship, and gender-responsive policies, we will ensure that every girl regardless of where she comes from has the opportunity to realize her full potential.
To every girl out there:
You are powerful.
Your voice matters.
You are the change the world needs.
Let us continue to invest in girls, amplify their stories, and build a world where their dreams are not limited by gender but lifted by opportunity.
Happy International Day of the Girl Child 2025!
Hon. Utibe-Abasi Bassey-Duke
Special Assistant to the Governor on Gender Mainstreaming, Cross River State
